Marlins third baseman Placido Polanco out with back spasm

The Marlins planned to start Placido Polanco at third base today but kept him out because of what Polanco is describing as a back spasm.

Polanco has had a history of back issues, but he said the discomfort he felt after practice yesterday is not related that those past issues.
Chris Volaika is starting at third base today against the Mets.

The Marlins are off Monday. The hope is that Polanco is well enough to start Tuesday or Wednesday.

Manager Mike Redmond said Polanco’s discomfort might be related to the cool temperatures.

“Obviously, he is a guy who has been banged up a little bit in the past. We want to make sure we take care of him,” Redmond said.

“We need him to be healthy for us during the course of the season. If we have to hold him back a little bit in spring training to make sure we get him when it counts, during the season, that’s what’s going to be most important…

“We’re definitely going to have to monitor him. He and I have talked several times about letting game know how he is feeling. I feel like we are on the same page and have a good program for him.”

Another Marlins player is banged up: Left-hander Andrew Heaney, the Marlins’ first round draft pick last June, has not made a start yet because of a strain in a lat muscle on his right side…